THIWASCO producing 40 million litres daily, but demand outpaces supply in Thika - MD Moses Kinya

Residents have been urged to use water sparingly as an ongoing dry spell continues to reduce river levels and strain water supply systems.

While speaking to the press, Thika Water & Sewerage Company (THIWASCO) Managing Director Eng. Moses Kinya said the prolonged drought being experienced across the country, including within the company’s catchment area, has significantly lowered river flows — the main source of treated water supplied to consumers.

“As you have seen, our rivers are running low because of the ongoing dry spell that we are experiencing throughout the country and within our catchment area,” Eng. Kinya said.

He explained that the dry conditions have not only reduced available water but also driven up demand within the supply area.

“The dry spell has also caused an increase in water demand. Other complementary sources that people rely on, such as boreholes, are no longer reliable because water levels have gone down. That means the only dependable source now is treated water from our pipes,” he said.

(RELATED VIDEO: Thika Water utility resort to water rationing as Drought and High Demand Strain Supply)

According to the MD, the utility is currently producing about 40 million litres of water per day. However, rising consumption has placed pressure on the system.

“In December, we supplied 844 million litres of water. In January, we supplied slightly above 900 million litres. This clearly shows that demand has increased. It is not that we are not supplying water — it is that consumption has gone up,” he explained.

The surge in demand, combined with reduced river flows, has strained the supply network, prompting the company to revise its water rationing programme.

“As you may have seen in the media and on our social media platforms, we have revised our water supply rationing programme to ensure that every resident receives water in an equitable manner,” Eng. Kinya said.

He noted that the revised rationing schedule took effect on Monday and early indications show some improvement.

“So far, we have seen some improvements, and we are monitoring the situation very closely to ensure that all our customers are served fairly,” he added.

In addition, the utility has formally written to the Water Resources Authority (WRA), the regulatory body responsible for managing water resources and issuing abstraction licences.

“We have written to the Water Resources Authority so that they can regulate upstream water usage, especially by irrigation farms and other users. This will help ensure there is adequate water flow downstream,” Eng. Kinya said.

He emphasised that managing upstream abstraction is critical to maintaining sufficient river levels for treatment and supply to urban consumers.

As climate variability continues to affect rainfall patterns, the MD called on residents to practice responsible water use.

“We would like to request our customers, during this dry spell, to use the available water sparingly. These situations are likely to recur due to climate change, and conservation is key,” he urged.

The utility says it will continue monitoring river levels and adjusting its supply strategy as necessary to maintain equitable distribution during the dry period.